Both Scripps and Sharp seemed to understand the significance of the property and its legacy in the community. Both pledged to preserve the myriad memorials throughout its buildings and along a perimeter garden walking path.

Murphy, the Sharp CEO, said he saw a number of potential uses including hospice, if his organization had ultimately won.

“We thought we could have, at the right price, have invested the right amount of money and done something there. It’s obviously a beautiful setting,” Murphy said.

Van Gorder said Scripps intends to do some renovations and continue to use the hospital to care for hospice patients whose symptoms are severe enough to need round-the-clock care outside the home. He said patients referred by providers other than Scripps would be welcome.

“San Diego Hospice, they worked with everybody,” Van Gorder said.

The deal will need approval by the California Attorney General’s office, and hospice attorney Jeffrey Isaacs said Scripps is not likely to be able to take possession for more than a month.